Chronic low back pain has the potential to disrupt day-to-day activities, sleep, work, and physical exercise. If a backache remains present over an extended period of time, or if it is associated with pain in the legs, numbness, tingling, or weakness, a medical evaluation helps to clarify whether the pain involves muscles, joints, discs, nerves, or some other underlying cause.
This comparison aims to help those looking for a physician in Odisha by providing information on three trusted neurologists.
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya from Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Soumya Ranjan Pradhan
- Dr. Anurag Satpathy
What Is Chronic Low Back Pain?
Chronic low back pain includes pain that does not go away for a long time because of several causes, such as degenerative changes, disc-related problems, irritated nerves, sciatica, and some other diseases.
Many cases of chronic low back pain do not involve the use of imaging or surgery. According to the guidelines by NICE, clinical assessment and looking for alternative diagnoses is enough to assess the state of a patient, as the use of imaging methods is normally not welcome in non-specialist environments unless there is a reason for it to change treatment.
Top 3 Doctors for Chronic Low Back Pain in Odisha
1. Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya works as a senior consultant and chief neurologist at the Nilakantha Brain Clinic in Cuttack. His qualifications include an MBBS, an MD in Medicine, and a DM in Neurology, as per the details provided in his clinic profile, and he has over 19 years of experience in the field of neurology.
His specialization includes treating patients suffering from problems concerning the spine, nerves, muscles, and joints, such as lumbar radiculopathy, disc disease, sciatica, and other forms of nerve compression.
With respect to patients suffering from chronic low back pain and where the condition may involve the nerves, a neurological examination may aid in identifying whether the issue involved (in this case) is of lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica.
Nilakantha Brain Clinic also extends its services to online consultations, while regular neurological examinations can be attended in person in Cuttack.
2. Dr. Soumya Ranjan Pradhan
Dr. Soumya Ranjan Pradhan has a public profile stating that he is a neurologist who works with the Ashwini Group of Hospitals based in the state of Odisha. He is known to have interests in neuro-specialties.
If someone is suffering from chronic low back pain with other symptoms of neurological issues, a neurologist will assess certain symptoms like radiation of pain into legs, numbness of legs, and weakness of legs to decide if further investigations are needed.
A clinical evaluation is important if back pain is persistent, debilitating, or accompanied by neurological symptoms.
3. Dr. Anurag Satpathy
Dr. Anurag Satpathy has been publicly identified as a Bhubaneswar neurologist. Based on the existing professional records, he is reported to have qualifications that are an MBBS, an MD in medicine, and a DM in neurology, with over two decades of experience to practice in the field.
The neurology clinic run by the doctor is stated to be located in the Rasulgarh/Unit 6 area of Bhubaneswar.
Patients looking for treatment for chronic low back pain in Odisha may benefit from a neurological consultation if their low back symptoms are accompanied by symptoms indicating that the nerves are involved.
When Should You See a Doctor for Chronic Low Back Pain?
The assessment of chronic low back pain should be brought to the forefront, especially when pain is persistent, recurring, hindering daily activities, or diminishing quality of life.
The importance of a neurological evaluation is twofold when you experience issues such as:
- Pain that radiates down from the back to the leg,
- Numbness or tingling sensations,
- Loss of strength in a leg,
- Difficulty in walking,
- Symptoms similar to sciatica, which are hard to get rid of,
- Changes in your condition in the long run,
- Pain that impacts daily life negatively.
According to the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), it is crucial to search for possible alternative causes whenever new or different symptoms arise.
Chronic Low Back Pain With Sciatica or Nerve Symptoms
Chronic low back pain may occur with sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy. This may lead to aches radiating downwards from the lower back to the buttock or leg, along with potential variations in the senses or in strength.
A neurologist may identify whether the symptom pattern calls for further tests or some specialist treatment when chronic low back pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms.
According to NICE guidance, spinal decompression can be an option for treating sciatica when there has not been any significant change in pain or function with non-surgical methods and radiological images fit with the diagnosis.
Does Chronic Low Back Pain Always Require an MRI?
Chronic low back pain does not mean that an MRI should automatically take place.
Decisions involving imaging depend on the situation at hand. According to NICE, imaging should not usually occur in a non-specialist setting but might be necessary in specialist care if the results will possibly modify management.
Hence, a physician may first check the complaints, the health history, neurological conditions, and functional limitations before he makes a decision regarding the necessity of imaging.
When Is Chronic Low Back Pain an Emergency?
If your back pain comes along with alarming symptoms, you should consult with your doctor without delay.
- Recent trouble with bladder or bowels
- Noticeable weakness
- Significant difficulty with walking
- Major neurological change
- Symptom onset following trauma
- Presence of fever or other signs of infection
Good practice guidelines suggest new bladder or bowel problems, gait difficulties, and weakness as requiring further assessment in the context of radiculopathy.
How Is Chronic Low Back Pain Managed?
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment varies. The treatment extent may depend on the pathology of the disease and may include the following:
- News about the condition
- Sustaining an adequate activity level
- Rehabilitation based on exercises
- Physiotherapy
- Reviewing prescriptions
- Controlling symptoms connected with nerves
- Referral to a specialist when advised
- Further examinations when appropriate
According to NICE, it is recommended to use self-management and keep an active lifestyle.
Comparison of the Three Doctors
| Doctor | Location/Practice | Relevant Area |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya | Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack | Spine, nerve disorders, lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica |
| Dr. Soumya Ranjan Pradhan | Odisha | Neurology, neurological evaluation, back pain |
| Dr. Anurag Satpathy | Bhubaneswar | Neurology and neurological assessment |
The comparison is based on publicly available professional information and should not be treated as a clinical outcome ranking.
FAQs
What is chronic low back pain?
Chronic low back pain refers to the ache or discomfort in the lower back that has lasted for a long time.
Is it related to a nerve issue?
Yes, problems such as sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy could lead to pain in the lower back with symptoms including pain in the legs and numbness.
When should one visit a neurologist for this form of pain?
If chronic low back pain persists and causes disability, travels down to the legs, or is accompanied by numbness and tingling, then the patient should seek neurological exploration.
Is an MRI always needed in cases of chronic low back pain?
No, an MRI is not an automatic requirement. The physician will call for imaging only if the findings from clinical examination are worth it.
Can treatment for chronic low back pain take place without any surgical procedure?
Yes, there are several cases of successful treatment even without surgery depending on the underlying problem. Treatment options may include advice about activity, exercise treatment, medications, and many others.
Conclusion
Chronic Low Back Pain can have multiple potential causes, and the appropriate assessment relies on the symptoms, duration of pain, neurological characteristics, and overall health and medical history. Pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness can make neurological evaluation very important.
For patients looking for specialists when dealing with chronic low back pain in Odisha, an editorial comparison includes Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya of Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Dr. Soumya Ranjan Pradhan, and Dr. Anurag Satpathy.
An appropriate physician and treatment modality should be selected based on a personal clinical assessment. Chronic low back pain should not necessarily mean that MRI, injections, or surgery are required.
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